Business Plans And Ideas For A Daycare Center

You sure need to be different and stand out when it comes to starting your own daycare business however, this is one of the hardest thing every business owner is faced with. This isn't a usual worry for franchise businesses like 7/11-they have regulated services and products that are the same no matter what branch you step into.

Starting your own business-and making sure that it sticks and is remembered is risky and exciting. This is where a great business plan comes in.

A business plan is simply an outline for what you want your business to become. My father makes business plans for everything- even his garden. That's going a bit overboard, but you get the picture. It's a bit like a rough guide for you. If this is the first time, start simple and follow these tips to make your day care the one most talked about in the block.

* Incorporate your passion. Do you like to do crafts, paint, draw or sing? This can be something valuable that you can combine with your day care for a unique spin on child care. Take your day care kids beyond finger painting.

* Get people to chip in. Ask around; see what people want from their neighborhood day care. Cheaper prices? Better care, longer hours? This can possibly give rise to great idea. For example, if a lot of the parents in your neighborhood can't drive the hour to your day care, why not provide a day care pick up like a school bus or van?

* Plan the small things. Think about how you want to run your day care. What time will you open? What time will you close? Think of what programs you can use. Plan your menus and activities. Plan the big things. Where do you want your business to be in a year? In two years? Do you want to start small and work your way up or try it all for a one time, big deal thing? Set a goal. Do you want to be the biggest day care center in your state by the year 2010? It can be as big as that or you can simply say: I want the kids to love going to my day care center.

* A business plan is like your battle strategy, without the giant world map and little pins stuck in various places. Having your business plan can help you immensely, even just with the little things. Take some time, have a cup of coffee or tea and sit down to write it out. You'll be amazed at what you can come up with.

* It can be exciting to start your own daycare business, but you have to think all the things needed in putting up this kind of business. Even if it runs in your home, make no mistake since it is still a business. Putting up a daycare business is not simply converting your garage into a center for children; you have to create rules and regulations in operating a daycare center.

* You need to ask yourself if this is the right business for you. Can you be around with lots of children? Do you have the heart for children? Do you wish to profit from being passionate with children?

* As soon as you've decided to open up your own business, you can start creating your business plan. Your business plan should have information such as the proposed location, the mission statement, analysis of the funding and all the necessary information needed for your business.

* In terms of the demand and supply, you should do a thorough market analysis. You have to look over the location, of course, you would not want to put up a day care center in a neighborhood with few children or if there are plenty of daycare centers in that location.

* Before investing, you need to assure that the business is possible in that certain location you want. Check out and gain all the important information about the location.

* It can be exciting to start your own daycare business but it requires some works in order for you to make no mistakes with it. It may be small, but it is still a business, so you need to do planning. Indeed, there are rules and regulations that you need to meet in starting up your own daycare center.

* Before putting one, you need to gain all the necessary information and set up a creative and great business plan in order for you to determine the steps that you need to take to start up your own business.

* If you are decided to put up one, you can start establishing a great business plan. There are questions you need to answer. You need to ask yourself if this is the right business for you and if you have the heart of caring and watching over lots of kids.

* You need to check out the rules and regulations in your area and abide with it. You need to gain all the information in your area and include it in your business plan. You can also check out the other daycares in your area and gain information about their service and prices and include it also in your business plan. And put the advantage of putting up another daycare center which is yours.

* You must know that this business requires insurance, so you need to check out the necessary insurances that you must get for your business. Of course, you know that this can protect you and your clients against injuries and accidents. Do some researching about legal coverage and include it in your business plan.

* In having a clear and concrete business plan, you can start up successfully and you can expect great profitable gain. In as little as a couple months, you can be assured of seeing more and more clients adding up to your list. If your service is good, the word will automatically be passed on and you will be surprised to see just how many people run after your services.

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Benefits Of Bringing Your Child To The Daycare Center

Even if you have heard a great deal of information about daycare centers, it is still your ultimate responsibility as the mother to know more about it before actually deciding in enrolling your child in one. If both the advantages and disadvantages of bringing your child to the daycare center still isn’t very clear to you, then you should consider yourself very much distant yet on making that ultimate decision that can actually make or break your child.

Fact of the matter is that, you child does not need you to be with him or her all the time. The times that your child spends alone or at least away from you is the exact same time where he or she is able to meet and interact with other people with whom he or she can learn from and share knowledge with. Your child needs to learn a lot of things in his or her life even at a very young age. That is why interaction with people other than your family is indeed greatly necessary. By interacting with other children, chances are you child will be able to discover several things about life in general and about his or her life as well.

Your child can benefit greatly by being enrolled in a daycare center. While there he or she can be taught about self control, sharing, how to get along well with others, how to open up and express his or her thoughts and ideas and many other things. Everything can be learned easily in a daycare because the environment in general is more relaxed and serene and of course very much comfortable.

By not bringing your child to the daycare, he or she can only interact with you. There would be no clear variations when it comes to his or her dealings with other people. If your child interacts with your alone, chances are as he or she gets older, he or she will find it ever more difficult to adjust to changes and would also find it very difficult to interact with others. This can definitely trigger his downfall.

Children benefits from childcare by gaining exposure to classrooms environment as pre-school learning environment teaches him a basic understanding of what will be expected of him once he enters kindergarten Entering school the first time is really challenging to children.

Children benefits in all things on day care but the parents make the most difference in a child’s life, when he gets home from day care after spending his time with other children, try to ask him how he spent his day, what skills he learned, he friends and teachers name. For by so doing, you are enlightening him into more knowledge therefore, boosting his understanding. He will be capable of interacting with you no matter his age and getting him to vividly describe his day.

Do you have any choice of yours about a childcare, you have heard rumours spreading round about the city about childcare, but you have to get back to work to learn the basic behind it. If you can’t tell the advantages and dis-advantages of a child care, then, you are far away from the basics; you can stand on the fact that you are helping your child rather you are giving him a whole bound of punishment. The need of understanding childcare benefits to children is crucial.

Your children don’t need you at all times; they need to undergo a world i refer to as ‘a world of friendship’. They are skills, tactics and play fares they might need while you as an adult cannot provide. They need interaction with other babies, it never too early to start engaging him in activities of other children either other babies, toddlers or older children. Interacting with other children will create in him a whole sense of understanding, exposing him to other children with different manner of believe; note that this will be of great assistance to him in the long run of keeping friendship.

Children benefits from childcare by learning self-control, how to get along with others and how to share. The best place to teach a child should be childcare as the environment is gentler and an opportunity of mixing-up with other children is provided, this also he will be used to before getting into kindergarten.

Without day care he knows you and you alone, you are the world to him and he knows no any other person, but day care initiates him into a world of friendship by including people other than his parents to him. You can’t believe that a day during his 4th – 5th birthday he moves far from home in terms of schooling. Day care will break the link of anxiety of staying far from home for this he has perfected during his child care. He has learn to keep new friends rather than the old and new stories he normally heard from you. Apart from learning specialization skills, chances are there that he learns alphabetical and numerical factors that is of great help to him in pre-school studies.

Children benefits from childcare by gaining exposure to classrooms environment as pre-school learning environment teaches him a basic understanding of what will be expected of him once he enters kindergarten Entering school the first time is really challenging to children.

True, children can greatly benefit from daycare centers as wells as from their parents. A combination of both can present them the reality at a very young age that the world is indeed diverse and complex and there are several ways on how to get by.

Doing this can definitely make it so much easier for you not only to deal with people but can also help you adjust with a great deal of changes in your child’s life. Remember that it would be best for you to expose your child to the real world even at a very young age and you can do this by enrolling him or her to a daycare center.

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Benefits of Being a Daycare Provider

Aside from the internet, daycare is one of the easiest businesses in the world today that offers high payback. In daycare business, provider can make money instantly during the first day of the business or even before it starts to operate. It is a simple business that can be started immediately and cash start rolling in. You do not really need the world before you get this business open and with little or no capital investment, you can get this business running because of its simplicity. With other business, you will wait to make sales once it is open but with daycare, you make money even at the date of enrollment.

With daycare business, you do not have a boss, you have flexible time, you direct the happenings within your territory, and you become the master of your own faith and the captain of your soul. You are free from someone else command and you are automatically free from all manner of embarrassment if you have a boss. In other words, you are in CHARGE because this is the power of a home-based business, it helps you become independent.

Some of the factors needed to be a good and prosperous daycare provider are: hard work, knowledge {appear smarter than your competitors through adequate reading}, and the use available skills.

Many providers just enjoy the advantages of having a daycare without minding the basic secret behind every successful one. We cannot cheat nature, this is original so get the work done and see the cash roll in.

What will be your reaction if: you have in your daycare a very stubborn child where he has no regard to rest or show any manner of discipline and what if you will have a sick child under your supervision.

Your homework before starting a day care business is for you to know the best and rightful way to get things done with an instant speed.

Always remember that sometimes the children's problems are unimaginable. Do not be distracted with this, just be focused. It is more preferable to start the day rather than stop the existence of your business. All you have to have is an acute knowledge on running a successful daycare.

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The Next Best Business Option

Starting a day care business provides a great entrepreneurial opportunity if you love children. It could be the best thing you can do to earn an income. The size can range from a small home based operation on a shoe string budget to a large commercial center. It's up to you to decide the course of your business - either choosing to remain small by creating work only for yourself or growing into an enterprise with large revenue.

Starting a day care business is not the same as the babysitting you did as a teenager. Providing a day care service is about really serious business. You need to choose the services you will offer, identify the target child segment, and generally consider all those aspects that are important in any other line of commercial activity. Since the work involves caring for someone else's children, it takes responsibility and serious commitment.

Starting a day care business also has some specific requirements, which you need to be aware of.


Determine the child-care needs of your community. Choose a site that is appropriate and affordable - it could either be your home or a commercial location. Estimate your startup costs and identify where your budget will come from. You will obviously need to open a banking account for your business. If you plan to hire people for help, decide on an optimal one staff-to-child ratio and recruit accordingly.

You need a license to run this business, and it can take several months to get all the paperwork done! Requirements vary from state to state; hence it is best to get in touch with a local child-care licensing office.

Get yourself trained adequately to deal with crisis situations like injuries and fire. Contact your local hospital for first aid classes. Make sure you have a medical kit and fire extinguishers handy to deal with emergencies. Seek professional advice on whether you need any further training and certification.

Once your business is licensed, it might be subjected to surprise inspection, so make sure you comply with all the set regulations! For example, do you follow prescribed guidelines while deciding the kids' menu? Are their play areas safe and secure?

You will find that there are many support groups that may be helpful. For example, "Save the Children", a non-profit organization, provides free nutritional workshops, advice, and reimbursement of food expenses.

Here’s a basic guideline that you help you find the right path when it comes to making your daycare business a success:

Hire an accountant to help you with money matters. Taking care of your books is almost as important as caring for the children in your charge. You never know when the IRS decides to pay you a surprise visit, so hang on to every receipt!

Research a bit before you set prices. Be clear about payment terms - it's best to put things in writing.

Be firm about day care timings. Some parents can be habitual late comers, and will expect you to be understanding at all times. The sooner you dispel this notion, the better.

Consult an expert before starting a day care business. Some of the websites that offer help and You'll also find...

'The Daycare Provider's Workbook', 'Start & Run a Home Daycare', 'Starting a Child Care Center - The Indispensable Guidebook for Starting a Day Care or Child Care Business' interesting reading.

Most important, be prepared for minor problems which might crop up from time to time. Starting a day care business isn't child's play, and will bring its share of challenges. And more than its share of joy!

Any business that is just starting out needs to develop a business plan, however, when you are opening a daycare center it is especially important. Because there are so many different laws and regulations regarding child daycare, it is critical that your daycare business plan covers everything.

Your daycare business plan should incorporate the all state and federal guidelines as well as any licensing requirements for teachers and employees of your daycare. This area has the toughest laws of any business because it deals with children, and each state has their own laws and regulation regarding daycare.

A daycare business plan should be created before you seek funding for your business. The daycare industry is growing and can be successful if your plan offers incentive to parents who need to find affordable daycare. If you plan to accept any type of daycare assistance payments, then you should research the rules and regulations thoroughly and incorporate them into your plan.

Your daycare business plan will also need to cover all of your start up expenses. These expenses include all supplies, materials, and furniture that your daycare will need to operate on a daily basis.

You will need office supplies such as computers and software, paper for the printer, desks, file cabinets and any other office supplies you will need. For the furniture in your daycare, the plan should include cribs, beds, playpens, toys table and chairs. You should visit your local furniture store or do an online search for pricing of the furniture.

You will also need to figure into your business plan food menus and snacks. You really need to sit in a quiet place and figure everything into your daycare business plan.

When you seek financing, the lender will review your business plan to determine if it is feasible or not. He or she will suggest changes that will make your daycare more lucrative. You have the option to decline the changes, however the lender may become overly caution and decline your application.

When you are seeking a lender, you have a couple of options. There are many different lending institutions, from banks and credit unions to investors. Each one has advantages and disadvantages and should be researched completely before you make a decision.

Make sure that you come up with a concrete and concise daycare business plan because this is the primary thing that will determine and dictate your business’ success. It is important that you include all information before submitting it for review to financial lenders.

See: Starting A Daycare Business

The Right Way To Start A Daycare Business

Opening a daycare business is something that may seem so simple. It seems that anyone can just open a daycare business and make it successful. People only think that once you have the qualities that fit a daycare owner, then you are good to go. But this is not how it goes. It does not mean that if you like children, you are passionate about them and you have tons of patience, then you will have a successful daycare business.

No matter what you say, it is still a business so you need to make it work like any other company there is out there. There are certain things which people may have overlooked causing their business to fail. Things like policies, contracts, taxes and client relationships should also be kept in mind.

When starting your daycare business, make sure to avoid these common mistakes that most daycare owners have committed.

Do not forget to research on the proper child care in the vicinity of your child are center. Research is really important when it comes to childcare because it can really be advantageous if you know things that parents will like. If you do a thorough research, then you will be able to plan everything smoothly from marketing to the way your business will go. There may also be certain needs which need to be address to in your area so you need to make sure that you research on how you can help them. It may be as simple as the meal preparations for the children with a choice of a vegetarian or a regular diet. Even offering language classes for the bilingual or sign languages can really be helpful for some kids.

Do not open your business unless it has a license. A license or certification from the state will make t you a trusted daycare business that will set you apart from others. IT not really much of a hassle to get a license. You just need to make sure that you and your staff has a undergone enough training and your center will be inspected once a year. They will see if you follow the guidelines and if you do, your license is on your way.

Do not forget to have the right contract between you and your customers. A contract is a legal agreement, in such case, have it written on paper and signed that you agree to care of the child and the parents will pay you for that. What you need to put in a contract are the names of you and the parents, the terms of services, mode of payment, how the contract can be terminated and most importantly, the signatures of you and the parents.

Do not take for granted the idea of having a policy handbook. This is the details of the contract which you have both agreed to. This contains all the rules that you must follow when taking care of the children. This has all the rules including the feeding procedures, playing time, accidents, discipline and other things. This can serve as a reference that you can refer to if there are problems that will happen.

Do not get a wrong type of insurance for you and your business. Even if you may think that the policy handbook and the agreement will keep you safe from being sued, it will not. These insurances give you protection when your business experience special situations like closing down for a day and will still get income. It may be because of a leaking faucet, loss of electricity or even a small fire.

Do not overcharge your customers. Overcharging will lessen your customers which will cause you to have no income. There are so many things which you, as the owners can do to estimate the right amount that you will charge your clients. The first thing you have to do is to ask around how much other daycare centers charge their clients. You need to check the things that you need for your business. You may need to have a summary of the monthly maintenance bills, salary of the staff, food, toys, learning materials and electricity. From here, you can add a fee for the child care itself, usually the younger ones have a higher pay than the older ones because of the special care that they need. Remember that you can only accept a number of children which will ensure the right daycare for them. So, just charge the right amount for the number of children that you have to accept.

Do not market just for the sake of marketing your daycare business. You do not need to resort to simple marketing strategies even of you have customers. Remember that children grow up and even if they are loyal customers, they will have to eventually stop availing of daycare services. You should remember that when you are marketing, it is all about the future customers, those who will enroll in your daycare. You need to make sure that you have the best marketing strategy in your vicinity. It is not enough to just market, but you have to do your best in marketing.

Do not pay for everything. There are certain free services which is provided by your local government. You just need to contact your local childcare departments which can give you certain tips on starting your own childcare. They even have contacts of potential clients whom you can call. They have resources which they do give for free like learning materials which can really help you when you start your business.

A daycare business is all about starting it right. No matter how much clients you have had from the start, it all boils down to how you do it. There are certain things which you may do wrong that will cause you a lot of losses. This is the reason why some businesses fail, so make sure to remember these things so that your business will survive.

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The Toddlers Behavior: Nail Biting

Biting is an ordinary misbehaviour in preverbal kids, and many kids go from side to side a biting stage. Each year, our tot class has at least one kid that bites in the collection. It is a hard issue for the teacher, and a moving one for parents on both sides of the event.

Like all tot mishaps, a bite occur quickly and many times with no warning. Often the same kid will be bitten some times all through their classmate's very cold phase, leading the child's parents to sense that their small one is being under attack. These parents turn out to be quite irritated in defense of their kid and they query if the class is being correctly supervised. When commerce with biting, the subject really isn't a material of proper management, but more a substance of determining why this behavior goes on to occur.

Many times, a toddler bites for the reason that they are tremendously frustrated, and in their eyes there is negative solution. In one instant it happens, and you perceive sound a loud shriek - a screech like no last! For a brief instant all action in the daycare stops, and all eyes are on the tear patterned face of a wholly devastated child. "What could have occured?" Then you become aware of the child is rubbing his or her limb and your heart drops, since you now know what now happened. This child was just bit by a set of small, pearly white, very sharp, clench teeth, and you now contain the job of telling the parents of together parties concerned. It's a situation that teachers and parents fear.

So what be able to you do? When a kid bites another kid, always react in a calm way. Go immediately to the kid who has been bitten and say, "Oh, that actually hurts, doesn't it? I am so apologetic this happened! That wasn't very pleasant of Johnny to do this! Let's go get some frost!"

Once you recognize the child that was hurt is passable and has ice on the nibble, move on to the kid who did the cutting. Show the kid the teeth marks and contusion that he or she caused, and how sad their pal has become. Most significantly, get face to face with the biter, look him or her directly in the eye and say in a very firm accent, "No biting! Biting injures and it is not a pleasant thing to do to your pal! I do not like it when you nibble!"

Remember, a toddlers notice span is incomplete, so long lecture and explanations will not labour. The child must appreciate that you are very grave and very unhappy about the behavior that occured. Now would be the occasion to try and decide the reason behind the bite. Ask the kid that bit what happened and why they tad their pal. At this era many times the bite can be traced back to a "stolen" toy. If this is the case, the appropriate reply would be something like: "Oh, Johnny took your wagon. I know Johnny must not have done that, but you still can't bite and hurt Johnny like that!"

Do not return the toy that was taken to the biter! You will actually be reinforcing and rewarding the negative behavior. The child that did the biting will notice this as a triumph; they bit and got what they sought. The act of biting doesn't warrant this kind of recompense. As an alternative, do away with the child from the circumstances and the group, and set him or her up with a calm activity like reading her a book. Allow the child decompress and obtain a break for 10 to 15 minutes. Subsequent to that amount of time has passed, their nuisance should be vanished, and they have to be allowed to re-enter the cluster once more.

When biting occurs:
1. Remain calm. Do not drop your irritability and convey a lot of awareness to the circumstances.

3. Be extremely firm with the biter and make it obvious that you are not pleased with the behavior that just occurred. Look the child in the eye and pronounce, "No biting! Biting upsets!"

4. Remove the child that did the biting from the area and create a space that is quiet and stress free. Permit the child time to decompress as well as re-group.

5. Shade a youngster who bites. Demonstrate optimistic examples to this child how to hold circumstances. With steadiness and strengthening, this behavior must ultimately remedy itself.

6. Praise helps. When the child with a record of biting handles a condition in a constructive way, make sure that you return this behavior. "Oh Johnny, I appreciated how you just shared with Lily, I am so incredibly proud of you!" Believe me, this works surprises!

7. Re-direction avoids problems! If I observe that two children are getting on each other's last nerve, I will split the children and place them into two dissimilar groups. One child will stay with me for one activity while the other goes with a new teacher for a diverse activity. Easy, yet really efficient in avoiding altercations!

8. Certainly do not bite off a child! It doesn't educate them whatever thing and merely worsens the existing condition and produces additional nervousness and confusion!

9. Subsequent to the child that bites has had a possibility to tranquil, let him or her to re-enter the cluster. Watch the condition at all period and leap in if necessary. Bear in mind to constantly copy constructive behaviour to resolve matters. Keep in mind that if you converse ear-splitting, the children will acquire noisy, but if you chat in a hushed, peaceful mode, the children will linger serene. Parents and teachers are the role models and they generate the situation.

Above all, learn by heart that children who nibble are good kids who are going in the course of a stage. They will, in time, outgrow this period. It may seem like an extended time until this happens and all children will take a diverse amount of time. Each child will require working from side to side the stage in their own time and in their own method, and while they are working through it, they cultivate and learn from each circumstance.

See: How to start a daycare business

Basic Things For Your Daycare

Starting your daycare entails you being prepared in every aspect of the job. There can be many things to consider before your operation starts. You have to make sure you have everything you need before the first customer walks through your door. You will have to list down all the things that you will need, so that you do not forget anything. Cross them out once you’ve done them.

There are a few things that you will definitely need and should never forget to have before you start your business.

1. License and permits. Your business can not be legal without these. Before you even start you would have to get these permits and license from your local government. You will have to be able to fill out the required forms and make sure that you pass the necessary inspections for your daycare. The laws governing daycare can vary from one state to another but there are some rules and regulations that will apply across all states

2. Insurance. If you think this bunch of papers are added expenses you have to think again. This document can protect you and your business in cases of accidents and liabilities. You will have to get one that would provide you with the best coverage and protection. You can talk to your insurance agent to determine the right kind of insurance for you. Depending on the size of your daycare and the services you intend to provide, the insurance premium can change.

3. Children's Materials. Toys are a great way to keep children occupied. You would need to get different toys that are appropriate to the age group of the kids you are going to be taking care of. Make certain that these toys are safe for the kids so you avoid any accidents or possible lawsuits. You also have to get books, chairs, tables and sleeping mats for the kids. Nap times are very good for the children so that they have the time to rest.

4. Application and registration forms. You have to keep a record of everyone in your care. You need to have the parents fill out these forms so that you have the right information in taking care of their kids. They should also leave information on how to contact them in case of emergencies. This registration and application forms will give the basic information about the children and their parents.

5. First aid kit. This is one thing you should never be without. Kids can play rough and sometimes accidents can’t be avoided. You have to make sure that you have the first aid kit fully stocked and ready for use at anytime. It’s normal for kids to get into accidents and you should be ready for them.

Running a daycare can be really fun once all the details are set. Kids can be very enjoyable and taking care of them in your daycare is not only financially rewarding but can make you feel good as well. So good luck!

See: How to start a daycare business

Attaining Grants for your Childcare Facility

The US government openly provides grants for businesses and establishments such as a daycare center. If you want to start your own cleaning business but do not necessarily have enough money to start it with, then you should definitely consider applying for grants for your daycare business. You want to hear something great? There’s even no need for you to pay back the money that the US government will be granting you. Now, you can surely make your dream of building your own childcare business possible.

One of the sources of money grant is the government. Actually, it is not only the government who offers money grant; there are institutions, state, local, federal, and private that offer grants. If you want to apply for a grant, you need to know where to look since there are plenty of sources out there.

There are different types of grants out there and it is very easy to learn more about them. Once you've gain the sources that provide grants, apply as many as possible. You can send a request in order to know their application packages.

It is best to gain as much information as possible. Information can help you in applying for the grant that you need in putting up a childcare center.

In wanting to apply for a grant, you need to write application and make it good. You need to put all the important information about your plan and make it precise. You need to make them see that you are the right person for the grant that they offer.

Reach for your Daycare Grant Now
If you have plans of starting your own daycare center but do not necessarily have enough money or capital to start it with, then you should definitely consider of applying for grants that the US government provides for certain types of establishments including daycare businesses without you even having to worry about paying back. Yes, you got it right; there grants to start daycare for you. Grants are offered by Grant Makers, such as government, corporation foundation or trust. Such application processes, generally require some form of Grant Writing often referred to as either proposals or submissions.

When it comes to daycare centers, there are existing grant offerings that are available online. Some of these are grants to start a daycare center for uncertified persons. These loan programs are for the start-up of new or expansion of existing child care facilities. These funds are awarded through an application process. A number of loan programs are available online. These programs have the purpose of helping and supporting people who want to start up their own daycare centers, to make improvements in order to enhance quality service and meet licensing requirements and to expand existing daycare centers.

Anyone who is intending to put up a daycare business can avail of these grants and all you have to do is fill up certain requirements and you can be assured of an approved application.

See: How to start a childcare service

At Home Child Care Service

One of the emerging vital needs for parents who have young children is quality child day care. Because more and more couples are opting for a double income structure, the market for child day care services has grown enormously over the recent years. If you think that you can provide these parents with a reliable, trustworthy and high quality child care, then establishing a day care center might be what is best for you.

There are several requirements in order for you to establish a good and reputable child care facility. The primary essential is that you love to be with children and have an innate ability to work with them. If you are the family member that your relatives always run to if a child is sick, throwing a tantrum, or when a babysitter doesn’t show up, then you actually might have a very bright future as a child care provider.

Because the demand for quality child care services is high, this business can become very profitable for you. So aside from your inborn child-handling skills, you should also be ready to take on financial responsibilities that can make or break your child care business.

Take a look around your own home and try to see it in a different perspective. Do you think you can make the necessary arrangements to turn it into a safe haven for children where they can play, socialize and develop their cognitive abilities and skills? If your answer is yes, then you have found a prime location for your day care center.

Next, take a look around your neighborhood and see how big a market you can tap. Does your neighborhood have a lot of children loitering around with nothing to do during the early mornings, early evenings, or all throughout the day? Again, if your answer is yes, then you have found a captured clientele.

Afterwards, you might want to go to your local business center and ask about the zoning regulations on properties used to produce income. Is there any law or rule that prohibits you to start a child care facility in your own home? If the answer is no, then you can go ahead and list down the requirements to register your business, acquire licenses, and obtain permits. You should also look into insurance policies for your child care facility.

When you have done that, do an inventory of the children’s toys and books you might have stashed away inside trunks and the attic. If you have young children, you probably will have a lot but it would not be wise to use these for your facility as your own child may not be ready to share his/her personal belongings. However, if you have kids that are a bit grown up and into other things such as movies, sports, and the opposite sex, then it might save you a lot of money to dust off their old books and send their toys to the cleaners. If those are not enough, you can look into library sales and thrift shops that offer second hand toys and books for a bargain.

See: How to start a home childcare service

The Truth About Home Daycare Tax

Truth is, deducting some portion of your home as business expenditure is an extremely difficult process to do since this is normally being challenged by the IRS. Among the aspects being determined by the IRS in order to assess that a certain house can be employed as a business expense is the fact that a certain room within the house is "entirely and solely” employed for the business purpose only. This is something that is very difficult for every homeowner to establish.

But you should not fret a lot since the IRS gave an exception to this annoying rule which lead home day care providers to be able to look for means which will give them the ability to easily deduct a part of the house as a home office despite the fact that the room is not exclusively for day care purposes only. For instance, a room can be employed as a living room during night time and it can also be employed as a playroom by day. In case the day care is operated regularly then this room can now be regarded as a business/personal environment.

If you are wondering how exactly you will be able to calculate the amount of home expenses that will be deducted as a business expense then this is through the time/space percentage wherein time is multiplied by the area of the house which is employed for the operation of the business. You could include the area which is used as a place to keep children’s toys or wash your clothes in order to deduct the portion used in your day care business.

Furthermore, taxes and mortgage interest are deductible if only you are able to effectively itemize your deductions. Some of the other expenses that would give you the ability to lessen your tax would comprise of utilities, insurance premiums, condo fees, and business telephone lines.

There are other questions that you should bring up when talking to your tax advisor so you would be guided properly in terms of tax exemptions issues. Be sensitive about every aspect of your business so you would be guided well. As much as possible, be organized with every aspect of your business. Keep receipt at the right place so you could show them right ahead when the time comes when your accountant is in need of them.

Moreover, you should ensure the credibility of your accountant. Go for those who possess a good experience and background when it comes to business exemptions rather than an eager novice, because the former will give you more chance to obtain tax deductions. You can also ask around from your fellow home day care owners so you would understand their claims and for you to be able to assess how your business is working. Also, it would help a lot if you can have the necessary information about tax deduction by your own. Attend seminars and lectures about the subject for better understanding.

See: How to start a daycare business

Tips for Daycare Centers

Arrival – Every child experiences separation anxiety especially on their first day in daycare. Others experience this everyday during the first few minutes of their arrival. It is hard for the child to let go of his parents so they often times feel guilty to leave and they just stay inside the classroom looking after their crying child. With this situation, the proper and simplest way to do is to give your child assurance by hugging and kissing him and then leave. Do not feel guilty if your child gives you that abandonment look. Remember that when he turns okay when you leave, it does not mean that he does not think about you anymore. You will be surprised that once you are already outside the classroom, he may whimper a while and then joins the class as if nothing happens. Just bear in mind that he is really fine once he gets used to the daycare environment. So it is suggested that you leave right away after dropping him off.

Beddings - It is important that your child has his blanket during naptime. Mostly, daycares will only provide sheets for the mats but not blankets. It was observed that children with blankets sleep well unlike those without blankets. This is because they feel comfortable which remind them of their home. Remember to wash the blankets regularly. Most children do not sleep with pillows. If it is not needed by your child, avoid these. But if you need to bring one, choose the small pillow which is enough to fit in the child’s backpack.

Clothing – When I was teaching in a daycare, I experienced working with children of different ages. I would always need some clean clothes for the messed up children because of some unforeseen events. A complete set of extra clothes is necessary for every child. Centers have enough cubbies for these clothes. Extra pants are necessary especially if the child is not yet potty trained. I could still remember my experience in putting children in their pull-ups but they have no pants on because parents failed to pack extra clothes and unfortunately, we have no extras available at that time. Therefore, make it a point to always put extra clothes, shoes, and socks available for the child at daycare. Ask your daycare if they are receiving donations of some grown out clothes. For sure your child have a lot of these and these will be a great help for other kids in case of unforeseen events.

Formula, Diaper, Wipes - Check on a regular basis if your child still has these important items (formula, diaper, wipes). If the child is not yet potty trained, always see to it that he has enough supplies because borrowing diapers from others and replacing it is burdensome not just for you and but most especially to the parent whom your borrowed the supply. This is irritating to them especially if you happen to borrow everyday. The same is true for the formula and wipes.

Meals - Most of the centers provide meals to your child. Some would require packed meals during summer or every Friday. Unless your daycare requires the child to bring his own snack, eating snack would interrupt the meal time your child used to follow. During days that lunchboxes are required, healthy meals are encouraged. Children sometimes become upset in comparing their lunch or snacks. Do you know that food prepared from home are sometimes dangerous? Other child may not have an allergy with the food prepared for him, but the one whom he shares his lunch might be allergic with the food. Food is served anytime in school so this will make an impression to them that if it is away from home, they can have their meals anytime.

Toys – Bringing toys to daycare excite the children and it can also cause nuisance. Do not let your child bring toys in the class unless it is required or a stuffed toy that is used during nap time. Toys must be kept at home. Tell your child that his toys might be misplaced in daycare and he will just get upset. If you still send toys in school remember that it is not the responsibility of the teacher to keep track on these and he is not accountable in case these are lost.

Health Issues - Make sure that the daycare is aware of the health background of your child even if it is a minor one. Do not just leave the medications in backpacks, lunchboxes, or cubbies. But rather give it to the teacher when you bring the medicine to the center for them to easily dispense when needed and they can also place it in an appropriate storage. If the daycare will not provide sunscreens, you may bring one especially during summer. Do not forget to put the name of your child on the bottle for proper identification. Specify in the medication form of your child the right amount of sunscreen for him.

Illness - It is a golden rule that when your child looks sick, keep him at home. It is heartbreaking to see sick child going to daycare. The teachers understand your need to work and you cannot take him to your office. If possible, ask someone like a relative or a friend to watch over him while you are away. It is not comfortable for the child to be in daycare and other children (and the teachers as well) might get sick. He can just have his sleep and rest at home for him to get well immediately. Also, make sure that you have given to the center your phone number in case of emergency.

Pick up Time - At pick-up time take note that children are already looking forward to go home so they tend to disregard their things so check their cubbies, art folders, coats and blankets. If needed, talk to the teacher and feel free to ask how was your child that day and if there is anything that he wants to discuss with you about your child. While doing this, allow some space of interruption because the teacher is still accountable with other children so she still needs to watch over them.

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Tips for Safety of Daycare Providers

Providers always prioritize safety of the children under their care. This is also the concern of the government and parents that is why there are some laws imposed by the government for the providers to follow to ensure safety. Home based and small players in the industry feel inferior with the high tech facilities enjoyed by the large centers but this is not always the case. This is because small daycare can improve their facilities to emulate those of the large daycare.

Some safety tips to consider are:

Formulate emergency plans – Most daycare centers have plans on some unforeseen events such as tornado, fire, and other catastrophes, but home centers have plans for other kinds of tragedies. These home centers lack security and suspicion and sometimes they are late in reporting incidents to the proper authority. It is important however that teachers, parents, and children are informed about these emergency plans for them to know what to do during these tragedies.

Communicate emergency plans to the authorities – Big schools can hire police on duty who are always available during school hours and he will have regular inspection around the school vicinity. Home centers can not enjoy this due to financial reason. Daycare heads can just inform the sheriff police available near their area about their emergency plans and they can also ask for some advice to improve the plan.

Practice regular safety procedures – Many schools have regular drills on emergency plans they have like tornado and fire drills. This will help familiarize the children on proper actions during emergencies. This is also an opportunity for teachers to experience their assigned tasks during such emergencies to ensure safety of children. But avoid creating fear and giving them the impression that something bad would happen to them. This is because there is only a small possibility that these tragedies would happen and they will already lost their innocence and trust even without encountering such.

Food Safety Daycare Tips

Nutrition Regulations in Daycare

The following are different areas to consider in attaining good sanitation and food safety in daycare:

• Check the cleanliness of the overall facilities on food preparation of the daycare. Check the caterer’s credentials and even their facilities in case the daycare hired a catering service provider.

• Check the eating area of the children whether the area is thoroughly cleaned and if tables are sanitized before meals.

• Check the cleanliness of employees and see whether their hands are thoroughly washed before food handling and whether they are neat and clean.

• Check their serving process whether the cold items are in refrigerator or whether hot foods are still hot when served.

Parents must consider food safety in packing their children’s meals and snacks. Leger Ferraro once said that daycare meals and snacks are best stored in air-tight containers with cold pack that is frozen and inside a bag which is thermal sealed.

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Applying For A Day Care Grant

The importance of day care has been recognized by so many people these days. Especially for the government, they have seen how most parents do need the assistance and the help of day care facilities in order to take care of their children. This is why the government annually, grants money to day care businesses in order for them to be able to reach their goal into helping most working parents out there when it comes to taking care of their children. The good thing about this is that single moms and working parents will now be able to work at the same time as their children are being taken care of. They do not have to choose anymore whether they would have to stay home or work.

The government is kind enough to give away money to these day care business owners. The best part about this is that they do not have to pay a single penny back once they have received the grant. Although the government is the most popular source of grant money out there, there are still other sources of grant money. There are state, charitable, federal as well as private organizations which do kind-heartedly give grant money to those who would want to put up a day care business.

The first step that this would need is to look for the best grant that will suit the goals of the day care. There are different grant packages being offered so it is best if each one is read thoroughly to see whether these suit the business or not. The next thing is to learn as much when it comes to these grants. Before applying for one, it is the responsibility of the owner to know the terms and conditions of these grants. This will lessen any conflicts once the grants are being processed.

Now that a grant has been selected, writing the grant is the next thing to do. The grant application must be written in the best way possible. It must have been carefully taught of so that there are no loopholes or mistakes when the grant is submitted. There are things which are asked from the applications and these should be accurately and completely filled with the necessary information. One thing that must be remembered when applying for a grant is that there are other day care businesses which are applying for a grant too, so the grant application must stand out from the rest.

Applying for one grant is now enough. It is recommended to apply to as many grants as there is. This is a safety step that must be taken should there be any rejections. At least, when there are so many grants that are being processed, when the owner is denied, there is still hope for the other grants. This saves so much time of having to go through the whole application process all over again. Lastly, always keep an optimistic point of view. Hope is not lost when a grant application is rejected. There will be a right time and a right grant for the day care. This is why day care owners should never stop applying for a grant.

See: How top start a daycare business

All About Day Care Centers

Day care is one of the most important things that parents consider nowadays. With such the kinds of economy that we have right now, parents are no doubt trying their best in making ends meet. They are now taking the opportunity to work to earn money right for what they need. This is why most parents are trying to find ways in which they can trust the care of their children to other people. Because of this increase in the demand of parents, the day care industry has been continually emerging to cater to the needs of these parents.

Day care centers are there basically to look after the children. They are the ones who work and make sure that children get what they need. This may be in terms of physical, emotional, mental and developmental, day care workers primarily deal with making sure that children that they take care of receive the same amount of care that they have when they are at home. Whatever the parents give to their children, a day care should also be able to give this to the child which will help them in their daily needs.

In a day care, not only will the basic needs of the child will be provided for. Children will be provided with lessons, especially in a day care which will teach the children certain lessons that will prepare them for schooling in the future. Some lessons would include reading, writing, counting, art making and even the science. There is actually a wide scope of the lessons that children learn although these are not really that hard and are taught in a level that suits the mind of children. This is highly recommended since at this age, children are at a maximum level of learning which is best taken advantage of since children will get all the information that they need.

At this age, it is expected that children are taught the right values which mainly involves patience, sharing as well as distinguishing right from wrong. Children, as young as they are should be aware of these things because as they grow up, they will be faced with situations where these values are very important. This is why day care staff should make it a point to teach children about these things.

A typical day care usually is set in a home. Since this is a very comfortable place where children can stay, homes are being converted into day care centers. The good thing about this is that the atmosphere that a house brings is very different from the atmosphere that a commercial building has. Children are more comfortable and they can move freely when they are in a home setting. Another thing is having a day care center at home is actually cheaper than having it in a commercial space where rent is being paid that consumes almost 50% of the profit. This is why day care centers are best located within a home.

Knowing how to organize home day care centers is a must that must always be remembered. This can do so much for the success of a day care which is why owners should always be knowledgeable about these things. The number one rule that a home day care should have is that home and office space should always be separate. Even if this is within the home, the day car owner should always set a different room as the office room. In this room, it is important to keep all business tools which are needed. These would include a separate telephone line, computer, planner and even desk. It is very important that documents are not mixed up so that there will be no confusion which are papers for business or for personal use. Especially when it comes to scheduling certain meeting or activities, it is best that business matters are kept separate but do keep track of personal appointments so that some meetings will not have to be scheduled on the same time and day.

Another thing that must not be forgotten is the safety of the children. Homes are practically designed to be a comfortable living space although it is not designed to provide safety. There might be areas which do not have proper protection which might have the children who are running around in the day care. This is what must be avoided. Corners and edges should always be cushioned for protection. Sharp edged objects must be kept securely and out of the reach of the children. If there are even areas which can be harmful for the children, always keep the children away from these. Lock doors or inform the children so accidents will not happen. An organized day care is very beneficial so make it a point to keep thing as organized as they should be.

Day care is one things which may seem so complicated to choose from. There are so many day care services to choose from and parents really have a hard time looking for the best day care suited for their children. Of course parents only want what’s best for their children which is a day care must be picked perfectly. Owning a day care may seem to be a hard thing to do but it is actually not. Keeping these in mind can result to a very successful day care. Which is why for all those who plan on putting up a day care must always make it a point to keep things as organized as possible. In no time, parents will then have to clamor for the day care services.

Making life easy is not that hard to do. Parents who choose to work do not have to undergo the dilemma of having to work or to take care of the children. As long as day care centers are out there, parents will always have the help that they need when it comes to ensuring the safety of their children each day.

See: Starting a day care center

After-school Program For Teens Brings Comfort To Working Parents

Children who have working parents usually need special attention in times when parents won’t be able to attend to them. While there are childcare programs available now like daycare centers, guidance from parents are still most important.

If you are a parent and you want your child to grow a beautiful person, your presence during those formative years is very crucial. For teenagers, the danger of going astray has a high risk. These risks particularly happen during periods of after-school. You might be wondering or feeling uncomfortable what your teenager is doing at that time of the day. Finding a solution about keeping your child safe thus worth every effort you exert. There are a number of things that you should know to keep your teen safe after-school. Having such information will make you comfortable the next time you could not attend to your son or daughter.

Lack of supervision may lead your teen to risks
Studies show that 37 percent of teenagers fall off course after-school when left unsupervised by parents. These teens may be engaged to drug addiction, premarital sex, and misdemeanors and these happen between the hours 3 pm and 6 pm during school days. Low grades, social incompetence, and accidents are also attributed to the lack of supervision of parents to their teens after school. Aside from giving your teen a healthy environment by your consistent supervision, keeping your teen safe shows to be the principal reason to make sure your teenagers are not left unattended or guided.

Being said the disadvantages of teenagers unsupervised by adults, there is still a greater number of teens left unsupervised than those attending or enrolled in a care program which is a measly 6 percent. What could be the reasons to this? Are parents not aware that they can provide a safety net for their teens after-school hours by enrolling them in childcare programs? Has teens outgrown these kinds of programs and think that it is not appropriate for them? Why do parents need to search an after-school childcare program for their teens? What could be the parents’ benefits from them and what kind of program could be hired that your teens may also like?

For very busy parents whose time is almost consumed by the constraint and obligations in the workplace, it is totally demanding and exhausting to still find time to sit with the teen in accomplishing his or her homework. It is even difficult to make sure that the kids’ requirements are met. Educational systems generally focus on the intellectual progress and development and in the students’ success in academics. This may be the first of your intentions in sending your kid to school but development in other aspects of the kid’s life such as physical, emotional, and social is likewise essential. Quality programs for after-school are capable of addressing these particular needs of your kid. That is why it is imperative to wisely select which program should you send your kid to.

In some cases, parents should be thankful if their kid in middle-school has an active involvement in extra-curricular activities such as school plays, sports, organizations, among other school activities that promote the development of students’ social and mental acumen. In these cases, your kid will be busy after-school because of scheduled rehearsals and group meetings. You can be sure that your kid stays with his or her group and risks can be avoided. For kids who won’t be able to join school extra-curriculars and left nothing to do after school, a quality programs can also help develop their personalities. It will truly be a lot easier for the parents to manage their schedule and their kids’ if they hire someone else to take care of the job that they could no longer accommodate because of work. In getting only the quality after-school program for your kids, managing the family doesn’t have to be complicated.

Benefits of out-of-school-programs
Quality programs for kids who are out of school offers activities for the kids that complement those offered in schools and done inside the homes. These activities also promote development in the kid’s personality whether physical, intellectual, or social. Such activities encourage the kids to engage in decision-making, giving solutions to problems, and in having self confidence and esteem. These programs also have health education and other supervised activities that have the primary objective of training the young teens about positive values pertinent to live a happy and healthy life when they mature. Likewise, quality after-school programs provide support to the enrollees in accomplishing their homework—a very helpful feature to busy parents.

Spending time with other kids in the programs who eventually become their friend, make kids live a healthier social life and a bigger social circle were support and friendship can be sought. Through activities presented in the program, young teens also gain a positive learning experience and knowledge is widened because they get to interact with many other kids.

After-school programs are offered in youth organizations such as YMCAs, Boys and Girls Scouts, religious groups, Junior Achievement, parent cooperatives, private schools, and in-home programs run by families.

Helpful and creative ideas for a better program
In most childcare centers, the parents are encouraged to get involved in the activities once in a while no matter how busy they are. The parents participation in the program injects a sense of belonging and comfort for the kids knowing that their parents care and are trying to partake even if they have a tight schedule.

Some programs involve parents by giving them schedule to attend per week. Each family is requested at a certain number of times a week to attend to the kids’ simple needs like in driving for them, doing errands, and support for homework. Making sure there is a parent available in the kids’ endeavors is one creative approach that after-school programs do.

Enlisting parents to take responsibility every once in a while is a great approach to get them involved in the program and the kids to like what they are doing without feeling they are just left unreasonably or neglected for other people’s care.

By having the accurate and relevant information on how after-school programs work and how you and your teen will be benefited, you can be sure that you made just the right and practical solution in averting your kid from danger.

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Tips on How to Make Playing Safer In a Daycare Center

According to research, children are learning best about their world when they are playing. What is considered to be an idle time is actually seen to be as they time wherein the young are able to express and explore the ideas about their surroundings.

For instance, when they are asked to pretend like something or someone while they are playing, they are able to examine the various roles that people in society play.

Other activities such as songs and finger games are teaching the children lessons such as the colors, the letters, and the proper way of counting. It is being said that the children are being able to explore their creative side when they are made to do these activities. Children who are being exposed to these activities that enhance their creativity are said to perform better in school when they grow older. They are said to look at work with fresher eyes rather than it being just a rehash of old ideas and rules.

Worksheets and workbooks are considered are more preferred for the older children. However, it is being recommended that a pre-schooler should be enrolled on a school in which the form of learning is more geared towards playing.

Below are some reminders that every parent or guardian must consider when supervising the kids during their play time.

1. Children must be dressed appropriately for the activities on the playground. As much as possible, clothing that has ribbons, chains, drawstrings, and any other material that is hanging must not be used. This is to avoid accidental strangulation when the child is playing.

2. It is most recommended that the children will be made to play on a playground that has an impact-absorbing material within its area. Impact-absorbing materials help in reducing the risk of injury to the children in case of falling.

3. Before a child will be allowed to play on a playground, check first if the playground equipments are still in its proper condition. Some of the dangers or hazards that must be looked upon are the following: protruding objects, exposed footings, missing or broken parts, and improper anchoring.

4. Supervision is very important. Never allow your children to play if there is no adult supervising them. There is a less chance that other children will shove and push another child if there is an adult that is present.

5. Don´t toss those empty spice containers into the garbage! Peel off the labels and use them in the sandbox - kids love to watch the sand empty out from the containers. You can also use scoops from laundry detergent as small trowels or shovels.

6. Keep your children away from equipments of the playground that are still not appropriate for their skill level and size. Put them instead on those equipments that is more geared on their level of dexterity.

7. When making play activities for children, always take into mind that it is good if things will be made simple. Examples of this will be letting them play with a sink that is full of water or making the color some box.

8. Other activities that best enhances children’s creativity are the playing of dough. When kids play dough, they are able to use the equipment in several ways. To make play dough fun more exciting, spices or food colorings could be used. Rubber stamps, which could be used by kids punching the doughs, will keep them busy as well.

9. Another art project that could be done is marble painting. In this activity, allow the children to roll marbles of different sizes in paint. Then, make them explore with their own art pieces by making them paint something on a cardboard using the marbles.

10. During summer days, the children must always be applied with some sun protector or sun block in order for them to avoid getting burned by the heat of the sun.

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Useful Tips on How to Prevent Swine Flu in Child Day Care

Concerns regarding the outbreak of the swine flu virus continue to rise internationally. As of May 12, 5,000 cases of swine flu infection have been reported by the World Health Organization. Just recently, a child care center in Southern Dakota was closing because of a probable case of swine flu last May 1.

The influenza virus is often spread when a person touched surfaces or objects contaminated by the virus such as doorknobs, desks, tables, or other person’s hands. It can also pass on through touching one’s eyes, mouth, and nose without washing their hands. Thus, parents and child care providers must understand that children must be protected and watched over in the child care environment.

Children and child care providers should always wash their hands with soap and water especially before eating, after using restrooms, and after having outdoor activities. Since preventing the spread of swine flu is just like preventing other diseases in child care settings, here are some common sense tips on how child care providers can protect their children from infections.

Hand washing practices

• Always encourage children to use soap and water to wash their hands when hands get dirty after playing, eating, and toileting. If water and soap are not available, advise them to use alcohol hand cleaner instead.

• Child care providers as well should wash their hands regularly especially after handling infants and children, before and after feeding, after cleaning child’s face, after changing diapers, and after helping a child with toileting. This is to prevent the spread of virus from one child to another.

• Teach children to wash their hands for 15 to 20 seconds to make sure that their hands get clean.

• Supervise children when using alcohol hand cleaner. Keep disinfectants away from them and do not use alcohol-based cleaner to sensitive skin of toddlers and infants.

• While washing hands, make sure that children wash all surfaces, between fingers, back of hands, wrists, fingernails, and even arms.

• Rinse well under running water to ensure that all dirt are washed away.

• Then dry hands under hand dryer or with a clean paper towels.

Adequate Supplies and Cleaning Products

• Always ensure that there are available supplies of tissues, paper towels, soap, and alcohol hand cleaners in restrooms and sinks and in locations where children usually stay like reading room.

• In diaper changing area, ensure that there are supplies of disposable gloves as well as alcohol hand cleaner, or paper towels. Make sure that used tissues, gloves, and diapers should be properly dispensed so no one can get it especially children.

• In household cleaning, use only Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - registered disinfectants like chlorine bleach or hypochlorite solution. Always follow instructions indicated in labels of those products.

Covering Mouth When Sneezing and Coughing

• Child care providers should teach children to use tissue to cover their mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing. In this way, germs and viruses would be prevented from spreading.

• If in case children sneezed or coughed on their hands, wash their hands immediately with soap and water, or with alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available.

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Ways To Improve The Air Quality In Your Daycare Center

As the weather becomes colder, we have no choice but keep our doors and windows closed as we tend to become more prone at acquiring colds, flu nad other respiratory conditions that usually take place due to extreme changes in the weather all throughout the year. Studies have shown that this is because we insulate our spaces so well that we trap airborne pollutants inside making indoors heavily populated places like day care facilities not such healthy places to be.

Here are 5 easy ways to improve the air quality in your day care starting today:

1. Washing of mats and blankets should definitely be done regularly. Children are often asked to bring a favorite blanket or mat, or even sleeping bag with them to be used for their rest time during the day. These mats are havens for dust mites which could easily be passed on with the slightest movement. These blankets should be washed by the parents or your facility at least once a week using hot water to get rid of dusts and mites. If you are asking parents to do this, let them know why, and educate them about what a difference this can make in their child's overall health both at day care and at home.

2. Don’t use carpets. Even though carpet feels cozy, it makes a great home for pollutants that can be tracked in on shoes like dust, sand, pollen, mold and mildew spores that have found moisture and are starting to grow, and-once again-dust mites. Kids jumping, running, bouncing, rolling on the carpet will cause these pollutants to go airborne creating symptoms in even the healthiest child, and exacerbating symptoms of children who suffer from chronic allergy and asthma.

3. Explain to your children about germs and how they "fly around" looking to make a home in someone's body-many times causing sickness. Let them know that they can make a difference, and can have control over the germs that they spread. Have children cover their mouths with their arms to stop germs from flying out to visit someone else, and pile on the praise when they are successful at doing this. Pretty soon they'll be correcting you!

4. It may be impossible to do this over night but over the course of a few months or a year you can surround your children and staff with products that do not off gas chemicals-and this includes everything from cleaning products that are effective without the volatile organic chemicals that off gas so easily; natural organic fibers for furniture and curtains; and paints, markers, and glues that are okay for children to breathe. Not only will this be a great thing to do for your air quality, but a great way to model an environmentally friendly way to live for both children and their parents.

5. A high efficiency particle arresting air purifier is a safe, effective, and economical way to remove harmful airborne pollutants including bacteria and viruses from the air 24 hours every day.

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Advantages And Disadvantages Of Daycare Centers On Children

Truth be told, enrolling your child to a daycare center can pose both positive and negative effects on children. Ever since women started working regularly and being employed by certain companies, more and more children are being brought to daycare centers where they are usually cared for and taught while their parents are tied down with ways on how to generate income into their households.

Enrolling your child to the services of a daycare center can be a tremendous opportunity for your child to learn new things and interact with different types of people. They can also improve their vocabulary as well and learn how to open themselves up to others. Children are also gifted with the opportunity to learn basic academic skills at an earlier age, and adapt to the more rigid structure of a classroom environment prior to entering Kindergarten, easing what is often a difficult transition for children who are kept at home in their preschool years.

On the other hand, not all day care providers can provide you with the assurance of giving your child quality education and care requirements. Some daycare centers do not have enough staffs and workers who can attend to every child’s need that’s why in some cases, some staffs and employees of certain daycare centers end up to become very irritable and indifferent when it comes to dealing with children.

When your child reaches the age when he or she is ready to enter preschool, he or she is attended to by a single teacher together with around fourteen other studentsyou’re your child happens to be very timid, there is a very great and high risk that your child will be given less attention by his or her teacher. This behavior may stem from the need to compete for attention from a very young age, and is displayed in children of large families as well. Those children who are quiet and well behaved are set to the side while the teachers struggle to deal with the children who are not so self sufficient; is it any wonder, then, that this often results in these children learning to emulate the less than savoury behaviour of their peers, whom they see receiving the individual attention they crave?

The teachers should display a genuine love for the children, with experience and training in child development and psychology, allowing them to quickly detect a problem with a student before it starts to become uncontrollable. Parents should remain in contact with the child’s teacher, by receiving progress reports and observing classroom behavior on a regular basis. It is also important for the child’s parents to be open when it comes to interacting and dealing with the schools. This way they can have the assurance of ensuring a better and brighter life for their child.

Although there are both advantages and disadvantages to enrolling your child to a daycare center, at the end of the day it is important for you to sit down with your child and talk to them about it.

See: How to start a daycare center

The Effects of Daycare Centers on Children

Children could definitely maximize the countless advantages they can be provided with when they are enrolled in a daycare center. They are primarily enrolled in a place where they can be assured of quality care, safety and several other advantages.

With other children also present at the daycare, from babies to toddlers to pre-primary or even primary school children (that come in after attending school), your child at daycare learns to live in a social environment and learns new skills such as communication, interactivity play and team games besides values such as sharing, table manners, importance of obeying rules and being in a structured environment. So, when your child is ready to go to school, he or she has some sort of foundational base already about performing in a structured environment thanks to daycare training! It's much like thinking of daycare as your child's first school and outside community living experience that helps him or her learn to interact with other kids - like a unique and playful learning environment.

Children make friends, learn to follow rules, play turn by turn, learn good habits such as nap-time and putting away toys after finishing with them; a good childcare facility will have trained personnel and teachers to involve children in a variety of fun activities such as painting, puppetry, motor-skills expansion games and clay or sand-play besides music, dance and reading classes so not only does the child imbibe a whole new world of play-way method learning but attending a daycare also reduces the chances of separation anxiety for them when they finally have to go to school.

Thus, daycare essentially makes it easier for both the child and the parents to adapt to school life better and faster, as basic number, alphabet and speech concepts have already been picked up by most kids attending daycare regularly besides important socialization skills.

Most daycare centers also encourage a classroom-styled environment for older kids about to enter proper school so they are not intimidated by the first experience at the school and thus it is sort of a preparatory step towards formal schooling - albeit in a fun environment.

Daycare facilities also have teachers on the payroll, many of whom supervise timely homework schedules being adhered to by older, school-going kids and also guide them on various subjects, so parent's burdens are lessened.

Thus, with a bunch of benefits - from meals, nap, games, studies and safety taken care of by quality daycare centers, parents have a great deal going for them if they pick the right one for their child; but, of course, they still need to play the Mommy-Daddy once the child gets home, right from the hug, to the 'how did your day go' and 'glad to have you back,' routine - it works to keep the children feel loved and cherished.

Doing this can definitely make your children understand that enrolling them to a daycare center can benefit them in countless different ways.

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Advantage Of Daycare For Single Parents

It’s the new year and you can definitely say that it’s a bad way of welcoming the year because of the staggering economy. This is a great concern for every individual all over the world but it’s even of a bigger concern for single parents who do not have a partner in life to share their expenses with. When daycare expenses takes a toll on your income, it becomes especially important for single parents out there to think of creative ways on how you to find various solutions to fit it in their budget. Even if budget remains to be a continuing concern, it is still very much important for single parents to consider the quality of services their children can be provided with by a particular daycare center.

Here are some ideas that can help you budget and possibly cut down on your expenses for a daycare service:

1. If possible, have a relative watch your children and this could provide you with the assurance that your child is in good hands since blood is definitely much thicker than water. Also, this does not necessarily cost you anything. A relative will help for FREE for sure.

2. Offer help to other single parents when it comes to caring for their child. This way, when you are in need, chances are, the same parent could also offer you with the same type of help.

3. Start a neighborhood block, or apartment coop with other parents that are in need of finding quality and cheap daycare solutions. This is a great way of trading time that requires you to work in the Coop on assigned days, nights or weekends as part of your payment to use the services. Often your coop would charge a nominal fee for costs to keep the coop running and provide meals, books, and supplies.

4. Working part-time or job sharing can be found in some positions today. For example, Microsoft often had over the years receptionist job sharing positions where one would work mornings and the other would work afternoons. This way a full shift is covered but with two people job sharing the duties. Ask your employer if this is a possibility. You don't know until you ask.

5. As you know, the daycare facilities run the ladder in prices and services they offer. Often your State will have subsidized programs, as well as larger employers will have subsidized daycare facilities where they pay a portion of your costs. A very nice perk. Research is required to find the facilities who offer well rounded programs depending on your income.

6. In home Nannies are also a possibility but affording in-home care is often very expensive. Check into local churches who have a large population of immigrant members. You might get lucky and find a wonderful Nanny from such countries as Russia who once taught school before coming to the United States. I have been very fortunate when my children were school age to find the best Nannies through this solution.

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